Section 1: Metals

1. Metals are good conductors of electricity, and of heat. Electricity is the conduction of valence electrons from one atom to another

Metals conduct heat:

The atoms in a substance are always vibrating. When heat is applied to a substance the heat energy is given to the atoms and they vibrate and move faster and so their kinetic energy increases. The vibrating atoms bump into neighboring atoms and pass on their kinetic energy. These atoms then pass on their kinetic energy to atoms close to them and so on. In this way the heat energy moves through the substance.

Conduction takes place in solids, liquids and gases, but works best in solids as their atoms/molecules are located closer together.
Metals are the best solids for conducting heat.
Metals have tightly packed atoms which can easily pass on their kinetic energy and also have free moving electrons.
These electrons can move from the hot part of the metal to the colder part transferring the energy more quickly.

Poor conductors or insulators do not possess free moving electrons.

2. Fresh cut metal has a high luster/sheen.

Lustre or luster is the way light interacts with the surface of a crystal, rock, or mineral. The word traces its origins back to the latin lux, meaning “light”. A range of terms are used to describe lustre, such as earthy, metallic, greasy, and silky.

3. Most metals are solid at room temperature.

4. Ductile – metals can be drawn into wires. In this image, reddish copper is inside a steel cup, with a small hole. Pressure is being applied to the copper – and a small amount is pushed out through the hole. A tool grabs this exposed copper, and slowly pulls. As it pulls, more and more copper is drawn out in a tube.